A newly opened rail link in China is expected to boost casino revenues in Macau.

The recently unveiled link between Guangzhou and Zhuhai, which borders the gambling enclave, has cut travelling time from four hours to 1.5 hours.

According to Citigroup analysts, the new line will see a 20 per cent increase in visitors, many of whom will make day trips, to Macau in 2011.

Consequently, the financial services firm believes the enclave’s gaming revenues will increase 25 per cent this year.